f
man so tempered that, when great sorrow follows hard on the greatest
joy it sufficeth to darken it wholly. And thus we may liken heaviness
of heart to the chiming of bells, which hurts the ear if they sound over
near, but at a distance make a sweet and devout music. Now, in sooth,
inasmuch as I must make record of the deepest woe of my life, the brazen
toll is a sad one, and the long-healed wounds ache afresh.

Those two months of the Imperial Diet! They lie behind me like distant
hills. I can no more discern them apart, albeit certain landmarks, as
it were, stand forth plainly to be seen, like the church-tower, the
windmill, and the old oak on the ridge on the horizon.

How the night sped after our return from the forest and the morning next
after--the 27th of July in the year of our Lord 1422--I can no longer
call to mind; but I can see myself now as, the afternoon of that day,
I set forth with Ann, attired in silk and lace--all white and new from
head to foot, as it were for a wedding--to go to the open place
between St. James' Church and the German House, within the Spital Gate.
Whichever way we looked, behold flowers, green garlands, hangings,
pennons, and banners; it was as though all the gardens in Franconia had
been stripped of their blossoms. Never had such a brave show been seen,
and with every breath we drank in the odors of the leaves and flowers
which were already withering in the July sunshine. A finer Saint
Pantaloon's day I never remember; the very sky seemed to share the
city's gladness and was fair to see, in spotless blue. A light wind
assuaged the waxing heat, and helped the flags and banners to unfurl:
Our fine churches were decked all over and about with garlands, boughs,
and banners, and meseemed were like happy brides awaiting their marriage
in holiday array. The market-place was a scene of high festival, the
beautiful fountain was a mighty bower of flowers, the triumphal arches,
methought, were such as the gods of wood and garden might have joined
to raise. Every balcony was richly hung, and even the crested gables
and the turrets on the roofs displayed some bravery. All, so far as
eye could see, was motley-hued and spick and span for brightness. The
tiniest pane in the topmost dormer-window glittered without a spot. The
poorest were clad in costly finery; the patrician folk were in the dress
of knights and nobles; every craftsman was arrayed as though he were a
councillor, every squire like